2004 Formula SAE Competition: 25 Years and Counting

Motor,  Jul 2004  by Nash, Tom

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Springtime in Detroit means the return of engineering teams representing more than 130 colleges and universities From a doxen countries converging on the Pontiac Silverdome parking lot to compete in the Society of Automotive Engineers Formula SAE event.

For 25 years, this annual gathering of future automotive engineers has challenged students to design, build and compete in race cars that are safe, functional and economical. Engineers from the world's largest automotive companies serve as officials. The teams spend a year planning a vehicle that could be manufactured on a limited basis for under $25,000.

During the static portion of the competition, judges rate the teams on their technical presentation, design and execution and cost analysis. Once the cars pass technical and safety inspections and are allowed to be driven on the courses, they compete in acceleration, skid-pad and autocross events. Finally, the vehicles' Fuel economy and endurance is rated. The points are totaled to decide the overall rankings.

This year, Cornell University won the competition. Texas A&M and Auburn finished second and third, respectively.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Jul 2004
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